Ribs2312

Q: My first camera..

I'm graduating university and starting to make my own films.

 

Currently, I'm just using my iphone 5 and imovie app. The camera is great but imovie is basic and the lack of storage on an iPhone means I can only make 2 minute videos. Frustrating.

 

Anyway, I'm looking into getting a MacBook Pro and Final Cut Pro.

First of all, should I get the retina or non-retina?

 

Secondly, and most importantly...

I was in the apple store today and saw the stock/demo footage on the Final Cut Pro and thought it looked amazing. What camera did they use? Is there an entry level camera that comes anywhere near that kind of quality? Probably not, but the quality was brilliant.

 

I obviously don't have a lot of money.

 

Can anyone recommend a good HD camera that will work with Final Cut Pro and exceeds the quality the iPhone 5 camera?

 

 

 

I don't have much knowledge of cameras yet so don't be offended by my ignorance. Any suggestions are welcome.

 

 

Thanks

Posted on May 2, 2013 1:37 PM

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Q: My first camera..

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  • by Ribs2312,

    Ribs2312 Ribs2312 May 4, 2013 2:52 PM in response to Searchin99
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 4, 2013 2:52 PM in response to Searchin99

    I don't have a lot to say to be honest, but trust me, I'm listening. I vow to

     

    You see all the beautiful images some cameras have and just think "I want that" and forget about the fact that I just wanted to have a camera which didnt cost a lot and would allow me to make longer videos and tell my stories.

     

    I like iMovie for its simplicity. I don't have a mac so I only use it on my phone so it's really basic so I do feel a bit constrained by it. But for learning, it has been great for me.

     

    I like to write stories involving mental illnesses and I wanted a good enough camera that would allow me to film in different focuses really easily and switch between them during shooting because when i visualise the shots in my head, focus is key to the story. I don't know the technical terminology, sorry. I hope that makes sense. And since I didn't know anything about camcorders, I didn't know how capable the entry-level, cheaper camcorders would be at doing that. But I'm sure I could find a way.

     

    I guess at my level of experience, the importance bit is just learning the ropes and developing my own style of filmmaking.

     

     

    When you look at the amazing images that an expensive camera exhibits, you get drawn in to wanting them. But thanks for making me re-realise why I wanted a camera!

     

    Thanks!

  • by Russ H,

    Russ H Russ H May 4, 2013 3:12 PM in response to Ribs2312
    Level 7 (21,835 points)
    Quicktime
    May 4, 2013 3:12 PM in response to Ribs2312

    Here is a free learning resource…covering a wide range of creative and techical subjects in media production…informative and fun to explore.

     

    Russ

  • by Ribs2312,

    Ribs2312 Ribs2312 May 4, 2013 3:13 PM in response to Russ H
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 4, 2013 3:13 PM in response to Russ H

    Thank you!

     

    I couldn't have asked for more help from everyone!

     

    Amazing, thanks

  • by Ribs2312,

    Ribs2312 Ribs2312 May 4, 2013 3:28 PM in response to Searchin99
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 4, 2013 3:28 PM in response to Searchin99

    Hi, I'm struggling to find a sub-$300 (£200) JVC camcorder that has a mic-in!

     

    I like the look of a few like the GZ-E### range. They are simple and have everything I really need except a mic-in. It's frustrating.

  • by Alchroma,

    Alchroma Alchroma May 4, 2013 3:29 PM in response to Ribs2312
    Level 6 (19,056 points)
    Video
    May 4, 2013 3:29 PM in response to Ribs2312

    Mic in and earphone socket should be regarded as must haves IMO.

    You seem to have a lot of posts to read let alone the real camera and movie stuff.

     

    My small piece of advice is to get a camera that will meet your basic needs, you should have a fair idea on what they by now.

    Then just go out and get "something" to start with.

    What you learn from even an unwise choice can build your knowledge on cameras and their operations and whether or not a specific camera meets your needs.

     

    In short, get on board and start the journey. 

    I've been on baord for more than thirty years and still learning new stuff.

     

    Al

  • by Ribs2312,

    Ribs2312 Ribs2312 May 4, 2013 3:33 PM in response to Alchroma
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 4, 2013 3:33 PM in response to Alchroma

    Hi, thanks for your reply.

     

    This is exactly what I'm realising now and sums my position up perfectly!

    I just need to practise with whatever.

     

    I think the mic is important so that's the only thing i am really after now.

     

    Thanks

     

    Ryan

  • by Searchin99,

    Searchin99 Searchin99 May 5, 2013 3:13 AM in response to Ribs2312
    Level 1 (48 points)
    Desktops
    May 5, 2013 3:13 AM in response to Ribs2312

    To add onto what Alcroma suggested as must-haves I'd like to add one more to consider tand that's "White Balance" capability. If the plan is to interview or make videos involving people there will very likely be different kinds of light; daylight, tungsten, halogen, LED, and who knows what else. White-Balance capability while maybe not perfect would help get one closer to something that looks more natural or pleasing.

     

    Some color balancing can be done in post with FCPX but I don't know about iMovie but I think you can.

     

    A few other things to consider. With still cameras one gets very commonly used file formats; however, with video there are lots of formats. It would behove one to check that the editing application will work with the file format of the camera one wants to use before buying it. If the application is not compatible with the camera file format all is not necessarily lost as there are a number of aftermarket applications that will convert one file type to another but this can be wrought with problems. Personally, that is what I have to do but so far it has worked out okay but I wouldn't recommend it.

     

    Links - I'm sure you've already been to some of these web pages but the "Supported cameras" is one that would be good to look at if you haven't already.

     

    iMovie '11

    http://www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/

     

    iMovie '11 to FCPX

    http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/imovie-to-finalcutpro/

     

    iMovie '11 Supported cameras

    http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html?lang=en_US

     

    iMovie '11 support page

    http://www.apple.com/support/imovie/?cmp

     

    iLife '09 system requirements

    http://support.apple.com/kb/SP515

    (couldn't find the '11 requirements. The link on the '11 page sent me to this. Maybe they're the same?)

     

    One more link I'll throw at you is this one: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/

    Once you "home in" on a certain camera there are sections that specialize in those particular ones.

     

    There is also a post I've seen from someone else looking for their first camera. In fact, I'll bet one could do an Internet search for "my first video camera" and get some hits.

     

    Putting together one's first kit (that's what it's called) is a daunting task and made even more so if it's on a budget. But like so many others have said before, "Just do it".  (hey, it's not my money!, or maybe "easier said than done")

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